Well, worked all holiday weekend, 7am till 10pm. Yesterday at about 2pm, ready to fire 'em up. Port engine, perfect! Starboard engine, not so perfect.

Somehow, I boned up on the intake installation. Water spewing out all four corners,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, DOH!

I knew something was not just right when I was installing it. Manifold holes were just a tad off from the holes in the new Dart heads. The bolts went in but not easily. I think the bolts rode hard against the sides of the intake bolt holes. What I thought was torque was actually friction. Tore it back down, drained the pan (yup, H2O down there) and sure enough, no compression on the gasket in the corners. I'm going to drill out all of the manifold bolt holes just a smidge to buy me some "slop" then toss her back together. New gaskets should be here today.

Hey, I do it nice 'cause I do it twice

When at first you do not succeed try again and again and again!!!!!

You go 'Bird!!!

I was about to post this morning asking how close you were getting.

Should be dunking the Bird this weekend. Got the heads and manifold all cleaned up last night. Enlarged the manifold bolt holes by about a 32nd or so, hopefully just enough to provide some alignment clearance. That was definitely the problem, ratified that last night - several of the intake bolt holes had threads reefed into one side of the hole from lack of diametrical clearance around the bolts. Never took torque But, at least I know for sure what the issue was now. Looking forward to tonight, an hour or so of wrenching and it'll be running.

I'm considering a little letter to Dart (World Products) telling them they cost me time and money over this. There was also a risk of hydrolocking due to this debacle. It didn't happen but that's only because my buddy was watching closely and we killed it as soon as we saw the problem. I think they should check their jigs to make sure the bolt holes in the heads are correctly located. Had no issues on the original heads.

3rd,

glad you'll be able to hit the water soon. We're ready to go, but this weekend we have to make a 2 day trip to florida. I'm sure you've heard the Axa news. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Always knew he wanted to be just like Rip. So, when's the official Formula Cruise? The way planning went last year we oughta start early! Tell the little women Kitty and I said hey, we'll catch ya in the pond.

Ok 5P, we'll look for you guys and bask in the sun and slam a few cocktails.

Last night's wrenching was a total success!!!! Both engines now run perfectly. Reeming the intake bolt holes remedied the problem of bolt bind-up.

Now I just have to clean up all the greasy hand prints all over my engine bay Spiffing is fun though.

most excellent.

Very cool. Look forward to seeing you at the river!

Should be able to give Rip a run for his money now!!

I don't know about that but, from what I see, (blue motors), Rippem and the rest of use will be getting a real good look at your transom all summer long. You should be giving our little Fountain buddy a pretty good run too, eh?